NEET UG 2026: Supreme Court Declines CBT Mode for Re-Exam, Seeks NTA Reforms

The Supreme Court of India has declined a plea seeking the conduct of the rescheduled NEET UG 2026 examination through computer-based testing (CBT) mode, ruling that the re-examination scheduled for June 21, 2026, will proceed in the offline pen-and-paper format. The bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Aravind Kumar, while refusing to interfere with the examination logistics at this stage, made pointed observations about the accountability failures of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and directed the Union Government to file an affidavit on proposed examination reforms.

Background: The Paper Leak and Cancellation

NEET UG 2026 was conducted on May 3, 2026, and subsequently cancelled after the detection of a large-scale paper leak. The cancellation affected over 24 lakh students across India and triggered widespread protests, legal challenges, and demands for structural reform of the examination system. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting an ongoing investigation into the paper leak, with multiple arrests already made. The NTA announced a re-examination for June 21, and the process of issuing refunds and new admit cards is underway.

The CBT Mode Petition

The Court was hearing a writ petition filed by Rajya Sabha MP Sudhakar Singh seeking, among other reliefs, a direction to conduct the re-examination through computer-based testing rather than pen-and-paper. The petitioner argued that CBT mode would significantly reduce the risk of paper leaks by eliminating the need to print, transport, and store physical question papers. The petition also sought the replacement of the NTA with an independent statutory National Examination Authority equipped with stronger oversight mechanisms, technological safeguards, and regulatory supervision.

Why the Court Declined to Intervene

The bench acknowledged the concerns about paper security but noted that the authorities were already functioning under considerable pressure after the cancellation and the need to organise a fresh examination within a limited timeframe. Transitioning to CBT mode for over 24 lakh candidates within weeks was deemed logistically impracticable at this juncture. The matter was adjourned to July, after the Court's summer vacation, for further hearing on the broader reform questions.

However, the Court's observations were significant in tone. Justice Narasimha reportedly remarked that the NTA "has not learnt its lessons," indicating judicial dissatisfaction with how previous reform recommendations have been implemented. The direction to the government to file an affidavit on reforms suggests that the Court intends to examine the structural and governance issues within the NTA in detail when the matter is next heard.

Practical Implications for Students

For the over 24 lakh students affected, the immediate implication is that the re-examination on June 21 will proceed as a conventional offline test. The NTA is processing fee refunds for the cancelled examination and will issue advance city intimation slips and admit cards for the re-exam. Students who registered for the original May 3 examination are automatically eligible for the re-exam without fresh registration.

Key Takeaways

The Supreme Court has declined to direct the NTA to shift the NEET UG 2026 re-exam to computer-based testing. The re-examination is scheduled for June 21, 2026, in offline pen-and-paper format. The CBI investigation into the paper leak is ongoing, with arrests already made. The Court has directed the Union Government to file an affidavit on proposed NTA reforms. The matter will be heard again after the Supreme Court's summer vacation in July. Students registered for the original examination are automatically eligible for the re-exam.